I too thank the Mother of Sorrows for being near me in my sorrow and in my madness!" murmured Salome, in a low, earnest tone.
"Holy saints, my child! What can have happened to you to inspire such words as these ?" exclaimed Sister Josephine in alarm.
"Never mind what, good Sister.

You shall hear all in time.

I am forced by fate to keep a promise that I made and might have broken.

That is all." "Ah, my dear child, I comprehend sorrow and despair in your words; but I do not comprehend your words!" sighed Sister Josephine.
"When I left your convent three years ago, I promised did I not, that after I should have become of age and be mistress of my fate, I would return, dedicate my life to the service of Heaven, and spend the remainder of it here?
Did I not ?" inquired Salome, in a low voice.
"You did, you did, my child.

And for a long time we looked for you in vain.